Tom Brady to Appeal ‘Deflatgate’ Suspension Again

The league had ruled that footballs had been tampered with during the Patriots’ 45-7 victory over the Colts in the January 2015 AFC Championship game, and Brady was likely to have played a part in the incident.

“(Goodell) completely ignored the schedule of penalties for equipment-related violations” which could have resulted in nothing more than a fine, Olson argues in the appeal.

“The petition raises exceptionally strong arguments”, sports attorney Daniel Wallach, who reviewed a draft of the petition, told USA TODAY Sports. They reaffirmed our authority and the underlying factors of the case.

Last September, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman lifted the four-game suspension, saying Brady was treated unfairly by Goodell.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium.

Judges can “stop the clock”, which would result in a 14-day extension where the National Football League could be asked to file a response.

“Courts of appeal typically reserve en banc rehearing for cases of broad significance in which reconsideration of the original panel ruling seems necessary to correct error or to clarify some point of law”, Boston College law professor Alfred C. Yen said via e-mail. The panel could also be requested to rehear the case by a judge that did not sit in on the case. Seven of the 13 judges would have to agree before a hearing is held, making it a potentially tough sell.

The NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “This Court should grant rehearing”. “In the meantime you overrule the judge who rightfully, and sensibly, tried to put an end to it, so I am telling you the same thing”.

The Herald reported April 25 that Brady was angered by the court’s decision to reinstate the suspension and planned to continue his fight through the appeal process.

Last month, the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a ruling that overturned the decision to penalise Brady. The odds are stacked very high against him this time.

Brady has denied any role in any plots to deflate or under-inflate footballs.